Whether you just want to see if there are some epic musical festivities in your neck of the woods this summer, or if you want to go out of your way just for the music tourism–here is a list of some of the biggest festivals around the world this summer.

 

Africa

Oppikoppi: August  9-11, Northam, Limpopo, South Africa

This 18-plus festival in South Africa offers a lineup mix of local artists, as well as some international ones. The lineup might not have the big names you would expect, but the location and ambiance make this a unique experience.

 

Asia

Fuji Rock Festival: July 27-29, Naeba Ski Resort, Yuzawa-machi, Niigata, Japan

One of the biggest festivals in Japan, Fuji Rock boasts an amazing lineup that rivals that of Europe’s best summer music offerings.

 

 

Europe

Sonisphere Festival: May 25-26, Getafe, Spain

A newer and shorter festival than most on this list, Sonisphere centers on metal/rock but offers an early-summer musical getaway.

 

Download Festival: June 8-10, Donington Park, UK

More on the “heavy” side, this festival boasts a predominantly metal/rock lineup with a couple electronic artists thrown in.

 

Southside: June 22-24, Neuhausen ob Eck, Germany

One of two twin festivals going on during the same weekend (there’s an identical lineup for Hurricane festival in the north of Germany), Southside features all of the big names headlining in Europe this summer in a central location in southern Germany.

 

Rock Werchter: June 28-July 1, Leuven, Belgium

Probably the most solid, well-rounded lineup of all the festivals in Europe this summer. If you’re planning on traveling to a country just for the sake of going to a music festival–this is the one to attend. If you’re going to be in Belgium anyway, make sure you’re there during this weekend (and stay until the end of July for Tomorrowland too)!

 

Heineken Jammin Festival: July 5-7, Milan, Italy

A smaller lineup, but not without big names and an eclectic mix of artists.

 

Openair Frauenfeld: July 6-8, Frauenfeld, Switzerland

If you are a hip-hop fan and find yourself in western Europe, don’t make any other plans for this weekend! The almost-100%-hip-hop festival in Switzerland is sure to be the highlight of your summer if you love rap/R&B/hip-hop.

 

Exit Festival: July 12-15, Novi Sad, Serbia

If you are in Eastern Europe this summer, Exit Festival is one of the more eclectic large festivals. Gun n’ Roses are headlining, with some big 80’s band names and electronic and dance artists rounding off the lineup.

 

Tomorrowland: July 27-29, Boom, Belgium

Belgium has their share of awesome festivals this summer, but if you’re into electronic music and can only pick one–this is the one to be at.

 

 

North America

Bonnaroo: June 7-10, Manchester, TN

One of the only festivals in the US that literally lasts all night long, Bonnaroo is a true music and arts festival, with film screenings, comedy shows, plays, etc. constantly occurring alongside the expected live music sets.

 

North by Northeast (NXNE): June 11-17, Toronto, Ontario

Indie bands and big names alike–the northern alternative to South by Southwest is a week long event that will introduce you to your new favorite band–guaranteed.

 

Lollapalooza: August 3-5, Chicago, IL

Three-day passes are sold out, but you can still snag a one-day pass and experience one of the United States’ biggest festivals in Chicago’s gorgeous Grant Park.

 

Outside Lands: August 10-12, San Francisco, CA

Our own local entry on the summer festival list, Outside Lands is a relatively young festival, but it has grown over the years. Last year’s newly added trek-through-the-forest offered for a unique festival-going experience. The distance between stages might be long, but there is no sound leak (something festivals like Coachella suffer from).

 

 

South America

Rock al Parque: TBA, Bogota, Columbia

It’s free, but that’s not the best part… This festival has many big-name punk, ska, reggae artists and boasts beautiful scenery as backdrops for its stage.

 

Hope to see you at a festival this summer! And don’t forget–bring your Cal gear and send picutres in to Cal and the World!

 

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